Online information resources
You can access a wealth of information through our libraries, both in traditional and in electronic formats. We provide reference books and websites for school work, research and general interest. The databases below allow you to get articles online from quality sources like encyclopedias, reference works, historical accounts and newspapers and magazines.
To ensure that only users from subscribing libraries can access these sites, some of the databases are password-protected, depending on whether you are using a PC in one of our libraries, or elsewhere. The descriptions below give you more details about this. Please note that these sites are for private research and study, and must not be used for commercial purposes.
If you are prompted for a username and password that is not your library barcode, please email us at reading@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk and the details will be supplied to you.
If you are not a library member and you want to use any of these resources, contact your local library for joining details.
Our online resources
| Britannica Junior for ages 5 - 11 A trusted reference work suitable for primary school children. No barcode or password needed if you are using a library PC. Please enter your library barcode if you are using this site from home. |
| Britannica Student for ages 12 - 18 A more advanced version for secondary school pupils and students. No barcode or password needed if you are using a library PC. Please enter your library barcode if you are using this site from home. |
| Encyclopaedia Britannica for ages 18+ The classic version of Britannica. No barcode or password needed if you are using a library PC. Please enter your library barcode if you are using this site from home. |
| EDINA: The Statistical Accounts of Scotland These accounts of Scottish life from the 18th and 19th centuries are invaluable resources for anyone studying or interested in Scottish history. Contact us using the email address above to get a username and password. |
| With the content of over 100 authoritative reference books such as Whitaker's Almanack and the Educational Grants Directory, KnowUK provides information on everything from current politics to finding a local school. Enter your library barcode for access from any PC. |
| NewsUK allows you to search the full text all UK national newspapers and a selection of local papers. It also includes magazines the Spectator, the Economist and the New Statesman. Enter your library barcode for access from any PC. |
